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City, county clear on firework restrictions

By Terry Meyers

for the Headlight

Posted:
06/20/2013 10:06:52 PM MDT

Terry Meyers Headlight photo (null)

If you plan on celebrating a traditional Fourth of July in Deming and Luna County, it will come with a few restrictions. Firework sales are legal in the city, but only for certain types of fireworks. Signed proclamations by the City of Deming and Luna County will see to it that the restrictions are enforced by local police and sheriff's deputies.

The county proclamation states: Luna County Administration would like to remind the public of the extreme danger of wild land fire that exists in Luna County. The Board of County Commissioners recently approved a proclamation declaring extreme or severe drought conditions within the unincorporated portions of the county and restricting the sale and use of fireworks within those portions of the County of Luna. A copy of the proclamation may be obtained in the Luna County Manager's office, 700 S. Silver Ave., or on the website at www.lunacountynm.us.

The city proclamation also states extreme drought conditions for firework restrictions.

"We need the public to obey the regulations for the safety of themselves and their children," Deming Fire Chief Edgar Davalos said. "The public can go to the city website for more information."

The use of fireworks is restricted to be used only on pavement or similar barren land surfaces and a water source must be near by.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety suggest to use fireworks only outdoors, obey local laws, always have water handy, only use fireworks as intended and do not try to alter them or combine them.

Other tips are never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak the firework in a bucket of water, spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

Only children of the age of 12 and up should be allowed to handle sparklers.

Each year approximately 11,000 children and adults are injured during the Fourth of July holiday.

"It is so important that adults monitor and supervise their children closely," Davalos said.

State officials are urging community residents throughout New Mexico to attend and enjoy display fireworks put on by their own municipalities instead of igniting their own fireworks this year due to the extreme drought conditions that exist statewide.

"The city of Deming has a city firework display which starts at sundown on Thursday, July 4, in the Industrial Park off Raymond Reed Blvd.," Davalos said. "It is much safer and cheaper."

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